The Canadian Press

RALEIGH, N.C. - Veteran defenceman Tim Gleason returned to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday as the two sides agreed to terms on a US$1.2-million, one-year contract.

"We obviously know well what Tim brings to our team on and off the ice and how he fits in our organization," general manager Ron Francis said in a release. "We are happy that he is choosing to return to Raleigh."

Gleason, 31, split last season between Carolina and Toronto. He had six points (one goal, five assists) and 65 penalty minutes in 56 games.